Google Search Live Expands Widely in Japan

Google announced on July 29, 2025, the interactive AI search feature “AI Mode,” and subsequently launched it in the U.S. starting September 24, 2025, under the name “Search Live.”

We confirmed that “Search Live” began rolling out in Japan and for Japanese-language environments in mid-March 2026. However, it was initially limited to a select group of Google accounts and was not widely available.

Following recent updates to the Google app on Android and iOS, it appears that “Search Live” has now been rolled out more broadly. As of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, I have confirmed that “Search Live” is available across all the Google accounts I own.

“Search Live” is the “AI Mode” version of “Gemini Live.” While it functions just like the “Gemini Live” AI conversation service, the key difference is how they are accessed: “Gemini Live” is launched via the Gemini app, whereas “Search Live” is accessed by tapping the “Search Live” icon on the home screen of the Google app for Android/iOS.

Just like with “Gemini Live,” “Search Live” allows you to converse with the AI and even share your surroundings using your smartphone camera. You can ask “Search Live” questions about objects or scenes you are viewing through the camera.

Furthermore, you can continue your conversation with “Search Live” even when the Google app is minimized, similar to “Gemini Live.” On iOS devices, conversations with “Gemini Live” would typically end when the app was closed; however, with “Search Live,” you can continue your AI conversation in the background.

Note that this background continuation feature for “Search Live” can be toggled off in the settings on both Android and iOS.

Google App Links

Source: Google